Aveeno Positively Radiant Brightening & Exfoliating Face Scrub 7 oz
AveenoAnalysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This face scrub contains beneficial ingredients like glycerin and decyl glucoside, which are known for their moisturizing and gentle cleansing properties. However, the presence of phenoxyethanol and parfum, which can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, lowers its safety profile. Additionally, the inclusion of PEG compounds and acrylates indicates a moderate level of processing, which further impacts the overall score.
Key ingredients 18
GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. It is widely used in skincare for its moisturizing properties. It is generally well-tolerated and beneficial for most skin types.
Risks
Rarely causes irritation or allergic reactions.
Benefits
Helps to maintain skin hydration and improve skin barrier function.
Decyl GlucosideGood
Decyl Glucoside is a mild, non-ionic surfactant derived from glucose and coconut oil. It is known for being gentle on the skin and biodegradable. It is suitable for sensitive skin and helps to cleanse without irritation.
Risks
Very low risk of irritation or allergic reactions.
Benefits
Provides gentle cleansing and is environmentally friendly.
Glycine Soja ProteinGood
Glycine Soja Protein is derived from soybeans and is used for its skin conditioning properties. It helps to improve skin texture and hydration. It is generally well-tolerated and beneficial for most skin types.
Risks
Rarely causes irritation or allergic reactions.
Benefits
Enhances skin hydration and improves texture.
WaterNeutral
Water is a common solvent used in cosmetics to dissolve other ingredients. It helps in forming the base of the product. It does not have any direct benefits or risks associated with its use in skincare.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetics.
Benefits
Water helps in dissolving other ingredients and provides a medium for them to be applied to the skin.
Cocamidopropyl BetaineNeutral
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a surfactant derived from coconut oil and is used to help cleanse the skin. It is generally considered mild and less irritating than other surfactants. However, it can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Risks
Potential for skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides gentle cleansing properties and helps to create a lather.
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl TaurateNeutral
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate is a mild surfactant used for its cleansing properties. It is derived from coconut oil and is considered gentle on the skin. It is less likely to cause irritation compared to harsher surfactants.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation compared to harsher surfactants.
Benefits
Provides gentle cleansing without stripping the skin of natural oils.
CelluloseNeutral
Cellulose is used as a thickening agent and to provide texture in cosmetic formulations. It is derived from plant cell walls and is considered safe for use. It does not have direct skincare benefits but aids in product consistency.
Benefits
Helps to stabilize and thicken formulations.
Sodium ChlorideNeutral
Sodium Chloride, or table salt, is used to thicken the aqueous portion of cosmetics and personal care products. It can also help to adjust the viscosity of a product. It is generally safe but can be drying in high concentrations.
Risks
Can be drying to the skin if used in high concentrations.
Benefits
Helps to adjust product viscosity and stabilize formulations.
Caprylyl GlycolNeutral
Caprylyl Glycol is used as a skin conditioning agent and preservative booster. It helps to improve the moisture content of the skin. It is generally well-tolerated and considered safe for use.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reactions.
Benefits
Enhances skin hydration and boosts preservative efficacy.
PEG-80 Sorbitan LaurateNeutral
PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate is an emulsifier and surfactant used to help mix oil and water-based ingredients. It is generally considered safe but can be irritating to some individuals. It helps to stabilize formulations and improve texture.
Risks
Potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Stabilizes formulations and improves product texture.
Sodium HydroxideNeutral
Sodium Hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It is a strong base and must be used in small amounts to avoid irritation. It is effective in maintaining the stability of the product's pH.
Risks
Can cause irritation if used in high concentrations.
Benefits
Helps to maintain the desired pH of the formulation.
1,2-HexanediolNeutral
1,2-Hexanediol is used as a solvent and preservative booster in cosmetics. It helps to improve the efficacy of preservatives and maintain product stability. It is generally considered safe for use.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reactions.
Benefits
Enhances preservative efficacy and product stability.
Butylene GlycolNeutral
Butylene Glycol is a humectant that helps to retain moisture in the skin. It is commonly used in cosmetics for its moisturizing properties. It is generally well-tolerated and considered safe for use.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reactions.
Benefits
Helps to maintain skin hydration and improve texture.
PEG-16 Soy SterolNeutral
PEG-16 Soy Sterol is used as an emulsifier and skin conditioning agent. It helps to stabilize formulations and improve skin feel. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Improves product stability and skin feel.
TropoloneNeutral
Tropolone is used as a preservative in cosmetic formulations. It helps to prevent microbial growth and extend product shelf life. It is generally considered safe for use.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reactions.
Benefits
Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reactions.
Benefits
Improves product texture and stability.
PhenoxyethanolBad
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective but can cause skin irritation in some individuals. It is considered a safer alternative to parabens but still has potential risks.
Risks
Can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.
ParfumBad
Parfum, or fragrance, is used to add scent to cosmetic products. It can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Fragrance is often a mixture of various chemicals, some of which may be harmful.
Risks
High risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Benefits
Adds a pleasant scent to the product.
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